Celebrating Passover

Passover, or Pesach, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. The traditions surrounding Passover are rich in historical and cultural significance, providing insights into Jewish identity and collective memory.

One of the most central traditions is the Seder, a ceremonial dinner held on the first two nights of Passover. During the Seder, families gather to read from the Haggadah, a text that outlines the story of the Exodus, prayers, and rituals. The Seder plate features symbolic foods, including matzah (unleavened bread), maror (bitter herbs), and charoset (a sweet mixture), which evoke the bitterness of slavery and the sweetness of freedom (Berenbaum & Skolnik, 2007).

Another key tradition is the prohibition of leavened bread, known as chametz. For the duration of Passover, Jews refrain from consuming foods containing yeast, symbolizing the haste of the Exodus, where the Israelites left Egypt before their bread could rise (Sacks, 2011). This practice encourages a spiritual reflection on the themes of humility and liberation.

Furthermore, the practice of recounting the Exodus story is significant for fostering intergenerational dialogue within families. Engaging children in the traditions, such as asking the Four Questions, helps instill a sense of continuity and connection to their heritage.

Recounting the Exodus story at Passover is vital as it fosters remembrance of freedom from oppression, reinforces cultural identity, and strengthens community bonds.

Additional customs involve engaging in prayers, attending communal services to honor liberation and engaging in community service. Passover serves not only as a commemoration of historical events but also as a reaffirmation of identity, resilience, and hope for future generations.

References

Berenbaum, M., & Skolnik, F. (2007). *The Encyclopedia Judaica*. Detroit: Macmillan.

Altein, Y. Eleven Facts You Should Know About the Four Questions. Retrieved from https://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/6844652/jewish/11-Facts-You-Should-Know-About-the-Four-Questions.htm

Schauss, H. (1996). *The Jewish Festivals: A Guide to Their History and Observance. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

Sacks, J. (2011). *Future Tense: A Vision for Jewish Life*. New York: Schocken Books.

Louisa Mastromarino is a certified counselor educator and Licensed Spiritual Health Coach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, a Master of Science Degree in School Counseling, and a post master’s degree in Supervision and Educational Leadership.  Louisa is the author of Spifford Max and the Cycle Pups Go to Washington, D.C., and additional publications.  Louisa's work has been highlighted in the noted publications Careers from the Kitchen Table by Raven Blair Davis and Miracles in the Divine by Beverly Pokorski. For appointments in spiritual coaching email distantholistic@gmail.com. Thank you.